Luton’s smoking rate under spotlight as historic tobacco law nears

More than two-thirds of people in the East of England support plans to prevent future generations from ever legally buying tobacco, as new figures show smoking remains more prevalent in Luton than nationally.

Some 66 per cent of people in the region support the Smokefree Generation policy, while 79 per cent of people who smoke say they would not have started if they could go back in time.

The policy is due to come into force on 1 January 2027 and will mean people born on or after 1 January 2009 cannot legally be sold tobacco during their lifetime.

It represents a change in approach from helping people quit once they become addicted to preventing young people from taking up smoking in the first place.

The government expects the policy to protect around four million young people across the UK from tobacco within its first five years.

In Luton, 14.6 per cent of people currently smoke, compared with a lower national average.

Councillor Khtija Malik, Luton Council’s portfolio holder for public health, said the policy represented a “historic step” for children growing up in the town.

“On 1 January 2027, we will take a historic step towards a future where children growing up in Luton will never face the same risk of tobacco addiction as previous generations.

“The figures show that the public are firmly behind this change and highlight why preventing people from taking up smoking in the first place is so important.

“The Smokefree Generation policy gives us the opportunity to break the cycle and protect future generations from the devastating harms of smoking.

“Retailers, local authorities and enforcement agencies must work together to prepare for these changes, ensure the new law is properly implemented and enforced across Luton, so that we can turn this historic opportunity into a smokefree future.”

The council is encouraging people who currently smoke and want to quit to seek support.

It says smokers are three times more likely to stop for good with support or by joining forces with a friend or partner.

People in Luton can get help to quit by texting Quit to 60066, calling 0300 555 4152 or emailing Total Wellbeing Luton.

Further information is available from the Total Wellbeing Luton stop smoking service and Luton Council’s Tobacco Free Luton webpage.